An act of vandalism against a “much-loved” heritage monument in an east Suffolk town has left a local councillor “shocked and appalled”.

Christopher Hudson, a Suffolk Coastal councillor for Framlingham, was saddened to discover the Jeaffreson Well at the top of Fore Street had been defaced with graffiti reading “Clot” in large letters.

“I am shocked and horrified at this mindless, antisocial act of vandalism that has defaced a much-loved heritage monument in the town,” he said.

“It must be about two feet high and we had just spent quite a few quid doing it up.”

Mr Hudson said he had seen the same tag on a number of buildings in the town and hopes the police will bring its author to justice.

“This vandal is running around writing on the side of buildings all over the town - it’s not acceptable,” he said.

“I would like to meet the young man responsible and have him put his talents to better use by painting an old lady’s fence.”

David Greenacre, chairman of Greener Fram, was also disappointed to learn about the vandalism.

“It’s a pity these people who perpetrate such vandalism don’t put their energies into more positive ways of helping Framlingham,” he said. “We need people to be involved in their town but negative things like this just mean that money that could be spent on something useful is going to be wasted tidying up after their mess.”

Suffolk Constabulary has urged anyone who witnesses vandalism to report it immediately for officers to investigate.

“We would remind people that they can call 999 when they see any crime in action whether that be graffiti, vandalism, or any other criminal activity,” said a police spokesman.

The well was sunk in 1896 by Anne Jeffreason in “tender memory” of her father William Jeaffreson, a well-regarded Framlingham doctor, and her mother Caroline.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101.